Homemade Tortellini Salad Recipe

When searching through the grocery store, I came across prepared tortellini that was in the chilled section for less than five dollars fora family sized package. My family tried frozen tortellini once however we did not prefer the mushy taste compared to the chilled selection. The best part of the chilled pasta is that it can be found in most stores including Target and Walmart Super Centers. In this recipe, I combined the idea with the famous New York Waldorf salad along with the tortellini for a great entrée meal. For this recipe though, I have not added celery since we do not like celery. In addition, I do not like using mayonnaise since it is not the best heart-healthy ingredient, so I used yogurt however it can also be left out. Thus, this recipe is a great heart-healthy recipe that is cheap to make for any family. Kids especially love this recipe!

Ingredients:
20 oz package of cheese tortellini
2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp curry powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
8 oz raisins
4 oz walnuts, halves and pieces
8 oz mandarin orange segments
2 tbsp fresh mint
Vanilla Yogurt (optional)

Directions:
1. Cook the tortellini according to the package. Drain when tender. Unfortunately, we do not have a pasta maker so we have to purchase our tortellini. Any type of vegetarian tortellini is fine for this recipe however I do not suggest using any meat type since it has too strong of a taste combined with the raisins.
2. Lightly oil the cooked pasta and chill in the refrigerator.
3. Heat 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Sauté the onions until almost tender and browned. Add the garlic at this time. Although both can be added at the same time, I do not suggest it since garlic burns easily.
4. Add the curry and cumin powder and heat for 1 minute. Add the honey and balsamic vinegar at this time.
5. Remove the mixture from the heat and add to the pasta.
6. Toss this mixture until evenly coated.
7. Add the raisins, walnuts, and mandarin oranges. Although I have stated mandarin oranges, any orange slice can be used. I prefer to use mandarin though since it has a slightly sweeter taste. Make sure to purchase sliced mandarin orange in a light sauce instead of a regular sauce to decrease the sugar content.
8. Slightly chill or serve at room temperature, either is fine. Sprinkle with mint leaves for taste.
9. A small amount of vanilla yogurt can be added to this recipe also and adds a little taste however not everyone like yogurt on this recipe. Try both ways and see which one you prefer.

This recipe serves around six people. We prefer to eat it on hot summer days that we do not feel like eating a large meaty meal. This is a prefect vegetarian meal also. It can be served warm for a family dinner or cold as a side dish. It is a truely fantastic recipe that will become a regular favorite for all families!